Things to Do in Louisiana This Weekend
Here's a roundup of Louisiana events and activities happening this weekend.
Featured Festivals & Events in Louisiana
Bastille Day Fête
New Orleans
July 10
Bonne fête nationale! Celebrate Bastille Day — or the national day of France — in New Orleans, a city shaped by French culture, from Mardi Gras to art, music and language. Savor crisp-and-tender crêpes, sip Champagne and dance to French tunes in the heart of the Garden District.
Celebrate all that France has to offer by way of the city. Stroll the French Quarter, shop the French Market and grab delicate, French-inspired pastries like galettes, meringues and macarons from Croissant D’Or Patisserie.
Red River Balloon Rally
Bossier City
July 10-11
One of the best ways to experience Shreveport-Bossier is at the Red River Balloon Rally, where dozens of larger-than-life balloons glow at dusk. Not to mention, visitors can float into the clouds on balloon rides or watch awe-inspiring fireworks and drones illuminate the sky.
Add another dose of color to your trip with the Agora Borealis, an artisan marketplace designed to feel like a gallery. Later, enjoy fresh air at the Asian Gardens of Shreveport, where more than 15 countries are represented through lush landscapes and imported statues.
Plan your stay in Shreveport-Bossier.
San Fermin in Nueva Orleans
New Orleans
July 10-12
Modeled after Navarre’s Encierro de Pamplona, San Fermin in Nueva Orleans brings the running-of-the-bulls tradition down South. Join thousands of fearless red-scarved runners and ruthless roller-skaters as they zoom through the city. Later, attend the La Fiesta de Pantalones and enjoy live music, beer, sangria and burlesque shows.
While you’re there, take note of the French Quarter’s distinct charm, world-class restaurants and rich history. Get dinner at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, a NOLA institution once operated by the Queen of Creole Cuisine, Leah Chase, then hear live jazz at Preservation Hall or the Spotted Cat on Frenchmen Street.
Ruston Farmers Market
July 11
Ruston
With summer produce at its peak, now is the perfect time to explore Louisiana’s farmers markets. In Ruston, find farm-fresh produce, baked goods, jams and honeys, as well as handcrafted items like artisanal soaps and ceramics.
Be sure to swing by Mitcham Farms, too. Peaches are in season, and there’s nowhere better to get the sweet-and-floral fruit than at the state’s largest peach orchard. You can purchase preserves, cobblers and ice cream, too.
Plan your visit to Lincoln Parish.
Savoy Music Center Jam Session
July 11
Eunice
Hosted by master accordion-maker Mark Savoy, the Savoy Music Jam is a Cajun tradition that has been free and open to the public for more than 40 years. Join local artists in a jam, hit the dance floor or sit for a spell and listen.
Love Cajun culture? Visit the Eunice Depot Museum, where you can discover the magic of Courir de Mardi Gras through an exhibit that highlights the colorful costumes and traditions of the holiday. After, grab an iced coffee from Cafe Mosaic, a cozy coffee shop housed in a restored drugstore.
Learn more about St. Landry Parish.
Balloons over DeSoto
Mansfield
July 12
Can't get enough of hot air balloons? You can thank Balloons Over DeSoto for the bright spots of color dotting Mansfield’s sky. At this free event, watch checkered balloons rise, enjoy scrumptious meals, groove to live zydeco music and stick around for a dazzling fireworks display. And there’s plenty for the little ones to do, including a virtual-reality gaming truck and a bounce house.
Make it a weekend trip, and venture off the beaten path in DeSoto Parish. Cast a line at a crystalline lake, or stroll through the shops in the Historic Village of Grand Cane. Then, savor fried catfish platters for dinner at Billy B’s Cajun Grill.
Juice Fest
Houma
July 12
Meet Juice Fest, downtown Houma’s newest summer festival. Sip a crisp lemonade and groove to DJs and artists all night long. When you need a break from busting moves, shop from local vendors or grab a bite from the food trucks on-site.
Before the festival, tour exhibits on Cajun culture, music and cooking at Terrebonne Folklife Cultural Center. Grab lunch at Bayou Delight, where you’ll find savory Louisiana dishes like spicy seafood gumbo, fried shrimp po-boys and charbroiled oysters.
Sensory Second Sunday at LASM
Baton Rouge
July 12
At Sensory Second Sunday, you can explore the Louisiana Art & Science Museum with inclusion in mind. For two hours, the museum lowers music, dims lights and designates quiet areas. Fidget toys and noise-reducing headphones are available, as well as art supplies that support diverse learning needs. For guests who are deaf or hard of hearing, shows in the planetarium feature subtitles.
Beyond the museum, Baton Rouge has several accessible attractions. Explore adaptive toys and tools at the Knock Knock Children’s Museum, and find wheelchair-accessible paths at the Baton Rouge Zoo and Capitol Park Museum.
State Parks & Preserves
Statewide
Louisiana is home to 21 beautiful state parks filled to the brim with fun family experiences. As temperatures rise and foliage blooms, consider the state’s exciting hiking, biking and paddle trails. Or book a getaway at one of our lovely cabins!
Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, music lover or just crave good food, Louisiana is filled with opportunities to #FeedYourSoul. Check our events calendar for more festivities.
